Saturday, 30 January 2016

New vehicles for Translink Northern Ireland

Twelve new high spec Goldline Double Deck coaches were put on display
today at Stormont before they entered passenger service on the Belfast
to Londonderry route.
Representing an investment of around £4.4million, the new coaches
will operate in the North West, primarily on the popular Londonderry to
Belfast Route, which carries over 800,000 passengers every year.
The £4.4million investment in 12 new coaches has been largely funded
by the Northern Ireland Executive through the Departments for Regional
Development and Enterprise, Trade and Investment through the European
Sustainable Competitiveness Programme (2007 – 2013) (2007 – 2013).
Transport Minister, Michelle McIlveen said: “This year the popular
212 Belfast to Londonderry service will be celebrating its 25th
Anniversary in April and I am especially pleased to announce such a
significant investment in new buses for this route.
“With over 800,000 passengers travelling on this route every year,
they will now be able to enjoy an even better travelling experience with
extras such as seat charging points; low floor accessibility and they
are also some of the most fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly
buses in Northern Ireland.
“The continued investment by the Northern Ireland Executive in public
transport has paid off as services such as Goldline continue to grow
and provide people with a comfortable, modern and accessible travel
option.”
Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell added : “I welcome the introduction
of these coaches to the Goldline fleet. These high specification, low
emission vehicles will provide improved public transport service for
commuters, shoppers and tourists alike, all of which benefit the
Northern Ireland economy.
“The allocation of EU funding from the Sustainable Competitiveness
Programme, demonstrates how inter-departmental cooperation can impact
positively and help deliver the core objectives of the NI Economic
Strategy.”
Welcoming politicians on board the new coaches, Translink Group Chief
Executive Chris Conway said there has been a 53% increase in Goldline
passengers over the last decade.
He said: “Investment in Goldline is paying-off; we want to showcase
the range of features and passenger benefits that are attracting more
and more people to travel on board this modern coach service.
“Our fleet of Goldline coaches offer free Wi-Fi, comfortable leather
seating, generous legroom, modern interior surroundings, automatic
climate control, security CCTV, tinted and double-glazed windows – all
of which provide a comfortable and relaxed journey experience.
“Investment in Goldline ensures that Northern Ireland coach journeys
continue to offer customers a modern, attractive and sustainable
transport option. Combined with good value travel tickets and frequent
services, we look forward to further customer growth across our Goldline
network.”

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